King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 19:15 Mean?

Jeremiah 19:15 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.

Jeremiah 19:15 · KJV


Context

13

And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.

14

Then came Jeremiah from Tophet, whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the LORD'S house; and said to all the people,

15

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The reason for Jerusalem's judgment is stated clearly: they 'hardened their necks' and refused to hear God's words. The metaphor of a stiff-necked animal that won't submit to the yoke appears frequently in Scripture (Ex 32:9, Acts 7:51). Persistent resistance to God's word brings inevitable judgment. The tragedy is not God's harshness but Israel's obstinacy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This stubbornness persisted despite prophetic warnings over generations. God sent prophet after prophet, yet the people and leaders consistently rejected His word.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas are you tempted to 'harden your neck' against God's word?
  2. How do you cultivate a tender, responsive heart toward Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 28 words
כֹּֽה1 of 28
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֞ר2 of 28

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֤ה3 of 28

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָאוֹת֙4 of 28

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֱלֹהֵ֣י5 of 28

the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל6 of 28

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הִנְנִ֨י7 of 28
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מֵבִ֜י8 of 28

Behold I will bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל9 of 28
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עָרֶ֔יהָ10 of 28

and upon all her towns

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּאת֙11 of 28
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְעַל12 of 28
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל13 of 28
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרֶ֔יהָ14 of 28

and upon all her towns

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֵ֚ת15 of 28
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל16 of 28
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָ֣רָעָ֔ה17 of 28

all the evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 28
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי19 of 28

that I have pronounced

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עָלֶ֑יהָ20 of 28
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּ֤י21 of 28
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִקְשׁוּ֙22 of 28

against it because they have hardened

H7185

properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)

אֶת23 of 28
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עָרְפָּ֔ם24 of 28

their necks

H6203

the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)

לְבִלְתִּ֖י25 of 28
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

שְׁמ֥וֹעַ26 of 28

that they might not hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת27 of 28
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דְּבָרָֽי׃28 of 28

my words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 19:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 19:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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